Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

Unless you have something like a transformer plug, I'm not sure why you would buy adapters rather than change a plug.

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

There was some stuff on here about how legally you need an electrician to change a plug. If the house burns down and I've changed them myself I might not be covered. The adaptors cost about $2 each in Singapore - probably cheaper than a new plug. Certainly cheaper than a new house.

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

Legally in Qld at least you have to get an electrician to change a plug or it may invalidate insurance in the event of a fire.
Its one of those topics that comes up regularly, and the links to the legislation are here somewhere - try searching posts by Cresta57 on the subject ;)

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

I would also be concerned about the validity of using overseas power extension leads in the event of a fire caused by an electrical fault. Nobody is likely to question whether you changed your own plugs but if there is evidence in a fire of non compliant equipment then personally I am not sure you would have a leg to stand on.

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

And just from the safety point of view, adapters are not a good idea for full-time use. They are prone to overheating if something goes wrong and that can start a fire. It's never a good idea to install an adapter somewhere inaccessible, especially if you leave it turned on the whole time.

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

And adapters are not usually suitable for earthed appliances. Particularly the small ones that effectively swap live (active) and neutral around.

Re: Argos/Tesco Direct
 

That's a good point. I had a standard double adapter overheat a week or two ago. Fortunately it was in a very visible place and I actually heard it crackling but not befoe it had melted around one of the pins.